TIRUVANANTHAPURAM

ANTIQUITY

Among the sacred books eulogising the greatness of this thirtha, Ananthasayana Mahatmya gives an exhaustive account of its origin; though the Mahabharata and Sethu Mahatmya make some references to its antiquity. According to it this region was once a thick forest, fit for penance and parnasalas. A great Vaishnavite saint by name Divakara Muni was doing penance here with an extraordinary ardor. To put him to test, Sri Mahavishnu appeared before him as a child of unearthly charms. 

Delighted at the lovely sight, and enraptured by his enchanting comely form, going near he fondled and caressed him like that of a doting mother. The child too reacted favorably. And then the sage requested the new - found boy to remain with him for ever. The child nodded his head, but on one condition that the sage should never abuse, or lose temper at his antics and pranks. The sage smilingly agreed and brought him up with unbounded affection out stepping even that of mothers.

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